Monday, December 17, 2012

Stuff Your Stockings Blogfest: Shannon Duffy

This week has been a blessing. Moments of reflection passing through my mind like a cloud floating across the blue sky on a windy day.

Having all my family visiting has been a lot of things. Chaotic, overwhelming at times, but mostly it has been like finding a valued treasure that has been lost awhile and now rediscovered.

You see many of my family live far away and when we all get together it feels like a child finding a precious lost toy—magical, with so many memories laced within its essence.

I soak up the flavours of each personality. Some are sugary, some spicy, others a blend of something in-between—perhaps like a fine wine, aged just right. Each a unique present just as though they themselves have been wrapped in sparkling gift wrap with bright red bows.

I listen to old stories and laugh as my sister calls to me by my childhood nickname; all the while making new memories to add to my library of golden moments. I burn them in place in memory like a tattoo on the brain—one that may fade slightly, yet always remain.

On days when the sun is faded and my mind wistful and melancholy, I can punch that library card of moments and savor the memories. It renews me like a crackling fire on a cold, wintry day.

Merry Christmas to you and yours. I wish for you the best present life has to offer. That is, to add to your precious collection of memories--the ones that will evoke an extraordinary smile across your cheeks and restore your spirit.

About the Author:

Shannon Duffy writes young adult and middle grade fiction. She grew up on the beautiful east coast of Canada and now lives in Ontario, Canada. She is the mom of one boy, Gabriel, her angel. She loves writing, reading, working out, soccer, and the sport of champions-shopping. She is the author of the young adult paranormal romance, SPECTRAL. Her upcoming middle grade fantasy novel, GABRIEL STONE AND THE DIVINITY OF VALTA is scheduled for a January 2013 release.